scholarly journals Effects of Habitat Conversion on Ant Functional Groups: A Global Review

Sociobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 6071
Author(s):  
Roberta De Jesus Santos ◽  
Pavel Dodonov ◽  
Jacques Hubert C. Delabie
Keyword(s):  
Functional Groups ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Land Conversion ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Habitat Conversion ◽  
The Tropics

Conversion of natural to anthropogenic environments affects biodiversity, and the understanding of these impacts may be improved by assessing how different functional groups respond to such land conversion. We studied land conversion impacts on ant functional groups, as ants are ecologically important and respond well to various environmental changes. We hypothesized that conversion of natural to anthropogenic environments modifies the composition of functional groups, fostering generalist and opportunistic groups over specialist ones, with more responses of this type in tropical than in temperate regions. We recovered 412 papers from ISI Web of Science, of which we selected 17 studies, published between 1993 and 2018, that addressed our study’s question. We assessed whether each functional group responded positively or negatively to conversion of natural habitat into anthropogenic land uses and used Monte Carlo tests to assess significance. Ants were affected by natural habitat conversion into monoculture and polyculture and by the conversion of savannas and of tropical and subtropical forests. Land conversion affected six of the 13 functional groups assessed here. In the temperate zone, cryptic species, predators, subordinate Camponotini, cold-climate specialists and tropical-climate specialists were impaired, whereas hot-climate specialists were favored. In the tropics, land conversion negatively impacted fungus-growers and predators. In both climatic zones, several functional groups, mainly those with broad ecological niches, did not respond to land conversion. Our results corroborate that land conversion effects vary among ant functional groups and indicate that the ant fauna of temperate ecosystems may be more susceptible than that of tropical regions.

scholarly journals Climatic-niche evolution of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Bajaj ◽  
Prakash Chandra Arya
Keyword(s):  
Latitudinal Gradient ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Phylogenetic Network ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
List Type ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
The Tropics

AbstractCOVID-19 pandemic is studied by several field experts. However, it is still unclear why it was restricted to higher latitudes during the initial days & later cascaded in the tropics. Here, we analyzed 176 SARS-CoV-2 genomes across different latitudes & climate (Koppen’s climate) that provided insights about within species virus evolution & its relation to abiotic factors. Two genetically variant groups, named as G1 & G2 were identified, well defined by four mutations. The G1 group (ancestor), is mainly restricted to warm & moist, temperate climate (Koppen’s C climate) while its descendent G2 group surpasses the climatic restrictions of G1, initially cascading into neighboring cold climate (D) of higher latitudes & later into hot climate of the tropics (A). It appears that the gradation of temperate climate (Cfa-Cfb) to “cold climate” (Dfa-Dfb) climate drives the evolution of G1 into G2 variant group which later adapted to tropical climate (A) as well. It seems this virus follows inverse latitudinal gradient in the beginning due to its preference towards temperate (C) & cold climate (D). Nevertheless, due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 data, the results must be cautiously interpreted & should not be extrapolated to climate types and climatic conditions other than those analyzed here for the early evolution period. Our work elucidates virus evolutionary studies combined with climatic studies can provide crucial information about the pathogenesis & natural spreading pathways in such outbreaks which is hard to achieve through individual studies.Graphical AbstractIn BriefThe authors elucidate adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 to different climates by studying phylogenetics & the distribution of strains on Koppen’s climate map.HighlightsSARS-CoV-2 follows inverse latitudinal gradient during initial days.Phylogenetic network divides SARS-CoV-2 strains into two variant groups, G1 & G2.G1 strains is restricted to Koppen’s “temperate” climate (mainly Cfa-Cfb).G2 strains has evolved from G1 to sustain in mainly “humid-continental” (Dfa-Dfb) & “tropical-savannah” (Aw) climate.

scholarly journals Bees support farming. Does farming support bees?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeti S. Virkar ◽  
Ekta Siddhu ◽  
V. P. Uniyal
Keyword(s):  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Doon Valley ◽  
Bee Diversity ◽  
Specialist Species ◽  
Bee Communities ◽  
The Tropics

AbstractTropical regions are subjected to rapid land use changes altering species composition and diversity in communities. The non-Apis bees are vital invertebrates continued to be highly neglected in the tropics. We compared their diversity status, richness and composition across natural areas and agroecosystems in Doon valley, a subtropical-temperate landscape situated at the foothills of outer Himalayas in India. We investigated how two major habitats relate to non-Apis bee diversity, specifically seeking answers to (1) Whether natural habitat is a refuge to richer and rarer bee communities than agroecosystems? (2) Are natural habitats important for supporting wild bee populations in agroecosystems? (3) Do polyculture farms behave similar to natural habitats and therefore support richer bee communities than monoculture? Observation and pantrap sampling were used to collect data. We recorded 43 species belonging to bees of five families. The findings of our investigation demonstrate the importance of natural habitats as a potential refuge for non-Apis bees. The findings highlighted that Doon valley harboured twenty-five rare species of non-Apis bees, and natural habitats are a refuge to 11 rare specialist species (clamtest; Specialization threshold K = 2/3, Alpha level = 0.005). Natural habitat diversity in Doon valley supports bee communities in nearby agroecosystems (R2 = 0.782, SE = 0.148, P = 0.004). Polyculture practices in agroecosystems (<100m from forest H’ = 2.15; >100m from forest = 2.08) in the valley mimic natural habitats (H’ = 2.37) and support diverse non-Apis bee communities (2.08) in comparison to monocultures (<100m from forest H’ = 2.13; >100m from forest =1.56). Bees evolved with flowering plants over 120 million years and they suffice an ever-growing anthropogenic nutrition needs with their services through enhanced agricultural production in pursuit of forage. We finally recommend similar assessments of bee diversity and plants they support in different habitats and vice versa.

scholarly journals Composition and functional groups of epiedaphic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in irrigated agroecosystem and in nonagricultural areas

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 904-910
Author(s):  
Patricia Hernández-Ruiz ◽  
Gabriela Castaño-Meneses ◽  
Zenón Cano-Santana
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Ant Community ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Seasonal Irrigation

The objective of this work was to evaluate the species composition and functional groups of ants in nonagricultural (NA) and in irrigated areas (S, seasonal irrigation; P, irrigation with well water; W, irrigation with wastewater) in an arid agricultural region in central Mexico, throughout 2005 and 2006. A total of 52,358 ants belonging to 6 subfamilies, 21 genera and 39 species was collected using pitfall traps. The species best represented in all plots were: Forelius pruinosus, Pheidole obtusospinosa, Monomorium minimum and Dorymyrmex spp. NA plots recorded the highest density of ants. The highest values for diversity (H') and equitativity (J') were recorded in NA and P plots, while the lowest were recorded in W plots. Cluster analysis showed two different groups regarding species composition: NA-S and W-P. Functional groups recorded were: dominant Dolichoderinae, three species; subordinate Camponotini, five species; hot climate specialists, three species; tropical climate specialists, seven species; cold climate specialists, five species; cryptic species, one species; opportunists, six species; generalized Myrmicinae, nine species. Agricultural activity affects the structure of the ant community with epiedaphic forage, and the constant use of irrigation wastewater in conjunction with intense agricultural practices has negative effect upon species richness of epiedaphic ants.

Plant-soil-water interactions in the tropics: using isotopes to explore environmental change implications for agriculture

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josie Geris
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Uptake ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Isotopic Analyses ◽  
Vegetation Water ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Tropics

&lt;p&gt;Understanding of plant water uptake and ecohydrological interactions between plants and soil water is crucial for developing effective and sustainable water use strategies, in particular for agricultural areas. To explore these questions, isotopic analyses of plant and source water provide useful tools alongside traditional techniques. Although such studies in tropical regions are less abundant, recent meta-analyses have revealed that vegetation water generally resembles that of deeper soil water sources than in temperate and cold climate regions. However, water uptake patterns from different sources can also vary in time, especially in the tropics where seasonality in precipitation and associated water availability is strong. As the distinct wet and dry seasons are expected to become more intense, this can have important implications for ecosystems and agriculture.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This presentation will bring together results from recent isotope studies on plant-soil-water interactions in tropical climate regions across the world. In particular, it will focus on system changes at the extreme ends of hydroclimatological conditions. It will also explore the implications this might have for agriculture, e.g. in terms of the sustainability of agroforestry where competition for water between co-existing vegetation might increase during dry periods, and how additional irrigation or flooding from extreme rainfall can change runoff dynamics and recharge leading to enhanced leaching of pollutants.&lt;/p&gt;

Comparison of sewage sludge treatment systems for regions with hot climate

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petia Mijaylova Nacheva ◽  
G. Moeller-Chávez ◽  
E. Ramírez-Camperos ◽  
L. Cardoso-Vigueros
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Alkaline Treatment ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Aeration Time ◽  
Sludge Stabilization ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Aerobic Stabilization ◽  
Sewage Sludge Treatment ◽  
High Pathogenic

The tropical regions have specific problems associated with high pathogenic density in the sewage sludge. The aim of this study was to select an adequate sludge stabilization and valorization system comparing the performance of four technologies: anaerobic stabilization without heating, aerobic stabilization, alkaline treatment with lime and aerobic composting. The study was performed in a pilot plant which was built and operated during six months. The main problem for the beneficial use of the sludge was its pathogenicity. All the systems allowed obtaining stabilized products which met the bacteriological criteria for some kind of use. The compost and the alkalinized sludge were bacteriologically safe for use without restrictions in accordance with the Mexican regulations. The accomplishment of the parasitological criteria for use was however impossible with the anaerobic and with the aerobic systems. The compost obtained at 55-60°C with 25d aeration time and the alkaline sludge fulfill the criteria established by for forest and agriculture use and for soil conditioning. The composting could reach the requirements for unrestricted use when operated at temperatures 65-70°C during 45 days which makes it the most adequate sludge treatment system for hot climate regions.

scholarly journals Dipole patterns in tropical precipitation were pervasive across landmasses throughout Marine Isotope Stage 5

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Nilsson-Kerr ◽  
Pallavi Anand ◽  
Philip B. Holden ◽  
Steven C. Clemens ◽  
Melanie J. Leng
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Marine Isotope Stage ◽  
Convergence Zone ◽  
Inter Tropical Convergence Zone ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Tropical Precipitation ◽  
Rainfall Patterns ◽  
Marine Isotope Stage 5 ◽  
Climate Cooling ◽  
The Tropics

AbstractMost of Earth’s rain falls in the tropics, often in highly seasonal monsoon rains, which are thought to be coupled to the inter-hemispheric migrations of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone in response to the seasonal cycle of insolation. Yet characterization of tropical rainfall behaviour in the geologic past is poor. Here we combine new and existing hydroclimate records from six large-scale tropical regions with fully independent model-based rainfall reconstructions across the last interval of sustained warmth and ensuing climate cooling between 130 to 70 thousand years ago (Marine Isotope Stage 5). Our data-model approach reveals large-scale heterogeneous rainfall patterns in response to changes in climate. We note pervasive dipole-like tropical precipitation patterns, as well as different loci of precipitation throughout Marine Isotope Stage 5 than recorded in the Holocene. These rainfall patterns cannot be solely attributed to meridional shifts in the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.

scholarly journals Evaluating the role of contracting and expanding rainforest in initiating cycles of speciation across the Isthmus of Panama

2012 ◽  
Vol 279 (1742) ◽  
pp. 3520-3526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Tilston Smith ◽  
Amei Amei ◽  
John Klicka
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Isthmus Of Panama ◽  
Species Pairs ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
High Species Richness ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
The Impact

Climatic and geological changes across time are presumed to have shaped the rich biodiversity of tropical regions. However, the impact climatic drying and subsequent tropical rainforest contraction had on speciation has been controversial because of inconsistent palaeoecological and genetic data. Despite the strong interest in examining the role of climatic change on speciation in the Neotropics there has been few comparative studies, particularly, those that include non-rainforest taxa. We used bird species that inhabit humid or dry habitats that dispersed across the Panamanian Isthmus to characterize temporal and spatial patterns of speciation across this barrier. Here, we show that these two assemblages of birds exhibit temporally different speciation time patterns that supports multiple cycles of speciation. Evidence for these cycles is further corroborated by the finding that both assemblages consist of ‘young’ and ‘old’ species, despite dry habitat species pairs being geographically more distant than pairs of humid habitat species. The matrix of humid and dry habitats in the tropics not only allows for the maintenance of high species richness, but additionally this study suggests that these environments may have promoted speciation. We conclude that differentially expanding and contracting distributions of dry and humid habitats was probably an important contributor to speciation in the tropics.

Late Pleistocene and Holocene Paleoenvironments of Chalco Lake, Central Mexico

1993 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Socorro Lozano-Garcı́a ◽  
Beatriz Ortega-Guerrero ◽  
Margarita Caballero-Miranda ◽  
Jaime Urrutia-Fucugauchi
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Activity ◽  
Lake Level ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Late Quaternary ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Central Mexico ◽  
Pollen Record ◽  
Loss On Ignition ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Saline Marsh

AbstractIn order to establish paleoenvironmental conditions during the late Quaternary, four cores from the Basin of Mexico (central Mexico) were drilled in Chalco Lake, located in the southeastern part of the basin. The upper 8 m of two parallel cores were studied, using paleomagnetic, loss-on-ignition, pollen, and diatom analyses. Based on 11 14C ages, the analyzed record spans the last 19,000 14C yr B.P. Volcanic activity has affected microfossil abundances, both directly and indirectly, resulting in absence or reduction of pollen and diatom assemblages. Important volcanic activity took place between 19,000 and 15,000 yr B.P. when the lake was a shallow alkaline marsh and an increase of grassland pollen suggests a dry, cold climate. During this interval, abrupt environmental changes with increasing moisture occurred. From 15,000 until 12,500 yr B.P. the lake level increased and the pollen indicates wetter conditions. The highest lake level is registered from 12,500 to ca. 9000 yr B.P. The end of the Pleistocene is characterized by an increase in humidity. From 9000 until ca. 3000 yr B.P. Chalco Lake was a saline marsh and the pollen record indicates warmer conditions. After 3000 yr B.P. the lake level increased and human disturbance dominates the lacustrine record.

Principal operators' farm risk attitudes in hot and cold climates

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Zia Wahdat ◽  
Michael Gunderson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Risk Attitude ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Risk Attitudes ◽  
Ordered Logit ◽  
Climate Classification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe study investigates whether there is an association between climate types and farm risk attitudes of principal operators.Design/methodology/approachThe study exploits temperature variation in the diverse climate types across the US and defines hot- and cold-climate states. Ordered logit and generalized ordered logit models are used to model principal operators' farm risk attitudes, which are measured on a Likert scale. The study uses two datasets. The first dataset is a 2017 survey of US large commercial producers (LCPs). The second dataset provides a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of the US at a spatial resolution of 5 arcmin for a 25-year period (1986–2010).FindingsThe study finds that principal operators in hot-climate states are 4–5% more likely to have a higher willingness to take farm risk compared to principal operators in cold-climate states.Research limitations/implicationsIt is likely that farm risk mitigation decisions differ between hot- and cold-climate states. For instance, the authors show that corn acres' enrollment in federal crop insurance and computers' usage for farm business are pursued more intensely in cold-climate states than in hot-climate states. A differentiation of farm risk attitude by hot- and cold-climate states may help agribusiness, the government and economists in their farm product offerings, farm risk management programs and agricultural finance models, respectively.Originality/valueBased on Köppen-Geiger climate classification, the study introduces hot- and cold-climate concepts to understand the relationship between climate types and principal operators' farm risk attitudes.

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